In defining addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states “(addiction) is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long-lasting. These changes in the brain can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who use drugs.”[1] Importantly, they…
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that 10-15% of healthcare professionals will misuse drugs or alcohol at some point in their career, which is similar to the rate of the rest of the population.[1] However, there are numerous occupational hazards unique to pharmacists involving risk factors such as: · Easy access…
Here is how the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘flexibility’: “characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different or changing requirements. “ Now, given all of the ‘new, different or changing requirements’ thrown at us all (individually and collectively) by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, I think the timing is good for us to take a…
Accidental overdoses and suicides among 18 – to 30-year-olds are increasing every year. The number of overdose deaths in 14 to 24-year-olds was over 5,000 in 2017 alone. Young adults are quickly progressing to harder drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, and crystal methamphetamine before they have a chance to grow up. Once they become addicted,…
Substance abuse in the workplace presents a major problem for employers, coworkers, workplace safety and family members at home. Of course, these problems also affect the person who abuses the substances. Damages from workplace substance abuse costs the U.S. over $100 billion each year. But what do you do, if someone you care about abuses…